We’re working to tackle the challenges of creating and restoring trees and native woodlands in Scotland. We focus on solutions so future generations have a Scotland with thriving habitats and wildlife.
Our vision is a Scotland where trees and native woodlands are thriving for our wildlife, communities and climate. We work collaboratively with organisations and individuals who are working to build a greener Scotland.
A new Future Woodlands Scotland-funded study shows how material from invasive rhododendron could help fund long-term woodland restoration while safely locking carbon into soils.
Most people think of Rhododendron ponticum as nothing but a problem. But few would see it as part of a solution to funding woodland recovery.
A team at Treeconomy thought differently.
Working with partners at the National Trust for Scotland and the University of Nottingham, the team explored whether wood from invasive rhododendron, usually treated as waste, could be converted into biochar, a stable, carbon-rich material. The aim was to test whether this material could meet high standards for long-term carbon storage and be safely returned to sensitive woodland soils. The team hopes this could generate valuable carbon credits, the sale of which could help fund rhododendron removal and rainforest restoration efforts.
Scotland’s temperate rainforest is one of the rarest habitats on Earth, yet around 95% is degraded, with invasive rhododendron a major cause. Removing it is essential, but costly and difficult to sustain through public funding alone.
This project asked whether new evidence could unlock different ways of funding restoration.
What the study shows
Independent testing confirmed that biochar made from rhododendron is highly stable, exceeding international standards for long-term carbon storage. The study also showed that the biochar production process breaks down herbicides commonly used in rhododendron control, meaning the material is safe to apply to woodland soils.
These findings turn an untested idea into a validated proof of concept.
What this means for woodland recovery
The learning from this project goes beyond a single site. It contributes evidence on invasive species management, high integrity carbon removal, and how private finance could help complement public funding for woodland recovery, directly supporting our priority to expand knowledge and awareness.
“Future Woodlands Scotland’s support allowed us to focus on the most important questions first. The grant enabled the most vital step in the project’s lifecycle: proof of concept. We’re deeply grateful for FWS’s support. The project team is excited by what we’ve found. With this scientific validation in hand, we’ll continue our efforts to realise Ecochar’s potential for Scottish rainforest restoration.”
Through our Research & Innovation Grants, we fund research and new ideas that improve understanding of Scotland’s native woodlands and inform better practice on the ground. We’re particularly interested in projects that test innovative approaches, tackle real‑world challenges and share learning that can be applied beyond a single site.
Applications for our current Research & Innovation funding round close on 1 March.
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